Parent talking to their son with their arm around him.

Getting support from mental health services

Information and advice guides

Finding the right help for your child when they're struggling with their mental health, and finding your way around mental health services, can be challenging. Here you'll find information and advice on the different types of mental health support available to your child, and how you can access them.

If your child is in a mental health crisis or you are worried they are not safe, read our advice on getting urgent help.

Two women outside in deep conversation with a tree behind them

Use our parent guide to help you prepare for appointments

Whether you're meeting the GP, someone from CAMHS or another kind of mental health professional, you can use this resource to think through what you'd like to say and make some notes. We've got lots of questions and prompts to help you prepare.

Meeting a mental health professional

Contact our Parents Helpline

Want to speak to someone about your child's mental health?

If you're worried about the mental health or wellbeing of your child, you can contact our Parents Helpline via phone or webchat.

Our team of trained advisers will listen and talk through your concerns, provide emotional support, and help you to take the next steps in supporting your child.

Parents Helpline

Information and advice for your child

We also have lots of information and advice for young people that both you and your child might find helpful. Take a look at some of our guides below, or view our full range of advice pages for young people.

Information and advice for young people
  • A young Black woman sitting on a bench in the park.

    If your child is thinking of taking medication for their mental health, we provide general information on some different types of medication, and answer common questions about what's involved.

  • A young Black man smiling in the park.

    A guide to CAMHS and mental health support for young people, including information on inpatient care, talking to the GP about mental health and counselling and therapy.